Tesco to cut 4,500 jobs in store operational changes

Tesco announced on Monday a series of operational changes that it will be carrying out at its Metro stores in the UK, putting 4,500 jobs at risk.

The aim is to simplify and reduce processes and administrative tasks across all of the 153 Tesco shops.

Tesco said in a statement that the changes “will allow us to serve shoppers better and to run our business more sustainably, in an increasingly competitive and challenging retail environment. Importantly, they will also allow us to better align the way we run our stores to the way that customers are shopping in them.”

According to the supermarket chain, its Metro format was originally designed for larger, weekly shops, but it is currently used by 70% of customers as convenience stores, buying food for that day.

The changes proposed include faster and simpler ways of filling shelves, with fewer products stored in back rooms and more stock going straight to the shop floor.

Also included are more flexible work for colleagues across the store in order to improve customer service at the busiest times of the day and in the right areas of the store and a leaner management structure.

Tesco is also making some small changes in 134 of its 1,750 Express stores, where customer footfall is lower.

Changes in these stores will include a slight reduction in opening hours during quieter trading periods at the start and end of the day and simplifying stock routines.

Jason Tarry, UK & ROI CEO, said on the changes: “In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way. We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future.”